Thank you for taking time to visit, and I hope I am even a tiny bit helpful as I have been helped and blessed by so many others. I have been doing Calligraphy since teens, and card making for many years as well. In 1990 I delighted in the joys of stamping with ink and embossing after a trip to Cairns, Qld. In 2009 I discovered the brayer, 2010 the Cuttlebug, also have now taking to reading up on crafting blogs and lo! Here I am, on one of my own.

I live on the coast of eastern Australia. I am a Christian. I trusted in the LORD down here at the beach, amazingly it is not far from where I now live. It was over 40 years ago, after a Beach Mission Service at the age of 12 years

Was busy this morning - on homeward run with a card. Sharpie blue pen was there 'cos used it to colour the bright turquoise ribbon threaded though theODBD Beautiful borders. Blue Spellbinder fancy Label 8 was done two years ago for my sister's card and not used. Stamped a verse on it, now getting ready to die cut (front centre piece) MB Pippi butterfly and Nellie Snellen fanciful flourish dies.The red framed piece near Monkey's hand is a Christmas verse found yesterday; thought it would be good for Scrappy Mo's Rudolph Challenge on Anzac day 25th (to 30th April).

Well,
this is new part to my desk. Kinda home made looking, but is my wee
shelf set, for which I've looked everywhere!! Gave up and made it
myself from a free sturdy box, cut to size, covered it with stash glue
and paper, attached it with freebie bulldog clips - so for free I have a
wee three shelf topper on my wee set of drawers at the back of my desk.
Can display some things and store all those weenie things you need so often. Also have my home made tape tower to the left.

"Nellie Snellen Fanciful Flourish Small" die cut, inked it up with Versafine Majestic Blue, and embossed in Iridescent EP. Did the same with MB Pippi Butterfly

Now for the Aussie shots today .. last weekend we watched some of the *Grom Surfing competition
on our local beach. *Surf Groms are aged between 5 to 12 years so these
are very young surfers .. only managed few mediocre shots.

These silver gulls were amusing we thought on our icecream drive.. all in unison (almost) preening their feathers, enjoying the very stiff wind that was blowing on this southern beach break.

Thanks so very much for popping over!

Please say hi - to let me know you've been by!

Shaz in Oz.x

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Psalm 91:1, 2

I love the fact that you built your own set of shelves...they look great and do the trick. Well done you!! That flourish stamp is very baroque, love the effect it gives to the card. Your sea pictures are beautiful, as ever, the sea was wild when I was down in Wales last week, I got exfoliated for free by the sand blowing!Hugs, LLJ 14 xxx

Happy WOYWW. I have not visited you for a while and it is great to see your amazing crafting, as well as the Aussie shots. I am loving that blue inkpad - feel a purchase coming on! Amazing card - you put so much love and energy into each one. Ali x #33

That fanciful flourish is one of my favourite dies - very useful and cuts like a dream. I make lots of my storage from boxes, old bits of shelf - in fact anything I can find!! I am finding the boxes that the catfood pouches come in very useful at the moment and I have several of them (cunningly disguised with pretty papers) holding my dies.Happy Wednesday, Cindy #29

Afternoon, just back from the garden. Card is beautiful and love the sunny beach photos. Thanks for popping by to my blog. A Derwent Shaker is a grater with a top where you can grate your art blocks add water and shake...making a homemade paint. Made by the company Derwent :)

Beautiful snippets card Shaz - a lot of care and love went into making it for sure. And super photos of the seashore - I do miss living beside the sea - although it's only about a 30 minute drive or so from here to the sea, to reach nice beaches is quite a lot further :( Andget you, little Miss DIY!!

Fabulous shelving unit. Fortunately Hubby is a carpenter so can make things for me, as long as I'm prepared to wait 5 years for them. Hmm, might be stealing your idea until then! Love the card, I'm sure it will bring great comfort to your friend. Cara x

That is a beautiful card Shaz. I know it will mean a lot to your friend. And how great to make your own shelf. That's is taking the initiative, that's for sure and it's so useful too. Wonderful Aussie shots as always. Love the beach.Blessings,Betsy

Your card is stunning, Shaz, and sure to bring joy to the recipient! It's always so nice to know others are thinking of us and praying for us in our time of need! Your handmade shelving is just the ticket, girl!! And for free!! Go you! Thank you for sharing the photos of the gorgeous surfer, er, I mean, the gorgeous ocean!! Enjoy your day! Hugs, Darnell

First of all thanks for visiting me yesterday whilst I was out and about.A lovely card Shaz - hope your friend is soon feeling much better from her operation and that it has been successful.Love the Oz shots but it looks a bit bleaker than usual - was it a cooler day?Well, Shaz has turned into a carpenter (cardboard type) and made a super job of some shelves. Very adventurous of you to attempt something large like that. Good for you my lovely. I made a quick alteration to my Distress container (cat food boxes) in my window but to be honest I did not decorate, just put them there for the time being but hopefully when (if) I get some time I will rectify and make them permanent.Take care my friendHugs, Neet 5 xx

Shaz, I have visited your desk three times, and each time been distracted before I could comment. The last time when I saw the Christian verse with the red frame and thought 'Ah, that is just what I need to do with.....' and ran away and did it, before I forgot. Actually it didn't turn out like yours at all, but the idea was there.Love the finished card too, realy pretty, will definitely be appreciated by the recipient.Bless you for visiting my page, and your nice compliments for my cards.Chris #22

Oh, Shaz, you are a JOY! I love your sweet new shelf and the beautiful projects you are working on. And, wow, I love your card! What a beautiful design and a precious Scripture. What a beautiful place you live (much like we do here in South Florida), and I love the ocean scenes! Such beauty God has given us! Hugs, precious friend! xoxo

Love your wee shelving unit Shaz - very innovative of you!! Your card is beautiful, and I love that scripture!! You photos are gorgeous, as for those gulls - we have them this side of the ditch too - I believe they are officially known as Red Bills, but I like you name of silver backs.BlessingsMaxine

Another beautiful card! I love the color combo and the cheery feel it has...such an encouraging verse too! I know your friend will love it, prayers for her! Thanks for sharing your creation by joining the ODBD Shining the Light Challenge this week!

I am always amazed at how you take a simple image or a verse and make something so beautiful and sumptuous with it! Your friend will be so uplifted and blessed by your card! Sue always raved about your cards to her. Loving your DIY shelves and I always love your snaps of Oz! Bravo mon amie!

Such a beautiful card and love the scripture! Your shelf is so nice- storage for supplies is always something I need- or I need to get rid of a bunch of supplies....LOL Love your beautiful scenery photos!

Hello there, I've only just noticed you dropped by my blog and are following me. Thank you! It seemed only right that I pop by and I'm pleased I did! It's fun to see what you have on your desk! That's a cute little shelving system! I love your pretty card too! I hope your friend's surgery went well. Hugs, Lesley

Hi Shaz. I just love the cards and the die you used is beautiful. Also I have to say great job on the mini storage shelf you have made, great job..... I am also hoping to make a new one also. Thanks for visiting my blog earlier and such sweet words. Have a fabulous week. Hugs~Anne L#12

Illuminated Calligraphy - Who or What is a Christian?

VERY WONDERFUL ENCOURAGERS! If you kindly join this blog please leave a comment so I can join yours

Where I live.

My name is Shaz and I am a former schoolteacher. I have found, like many others, that crafts are very therapeutic in times of "un-wellness". I thought this blog was one way of recording these my crafty ideas for myself and others.You are welcome to use any tips gleaned as long as it done in a respectful way, and not direct transfer for any gain. I have appreciated the help from others' sites and hope I may in turn re-pay this kindness.

IO - Impression Obsessions die.LOTV - Lili Of The Valley productsNesties - Spellbinder NestabilitiesNBUS - Never Before Used Schtuff (aka Darnell of DJKardKreations)MFT - My Favorite ThingsPP - PanPastelsSandwich -Plates (A, B, or C), Rubber mat, or Shims used with Cuttlebug machine in order to cut and emboss or both.Shim - a piece of cardstock, size of Cuttlebug plate, used to get right thickness to pass the folders, die etc through the Cuttlebug.